Players who participate in contact sports such as football have an increased risk of injury. Football-related injuries usually occur as a result of getting tackled, falling and even feet getting caught in grass or turf. Injuries can include cuts, sprains, strains, fractures and concussions. From high school through professional football, teams have trainers and doctors on the sideline to immediately treat injured players.
RICE
The RICE method is commonly used to treat mild to moderate football-related injuries. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends using the RICE method for the first 48 hours after sustaining an injury. The acronym stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Resting the injured limb and avoiding strenuous activities will help prevent further injury to the area. Icing the area for 20-minute intervals throughout the day will help numb the pain. Compressing the injured area with bandages or wraps will help decrease swelling. Elevating an injured limb also helps to reduce swelling.
Medications
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the pain associated with sports-related injuries often stems from inflammation. Over-the-counter and prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are commonly used to help relieve pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen are also effective in relieving pain. However, acetaminophen will not relieve inflammation. Ask your doctor which type of pain medication is right for your specific injury.
Physical Therapy
Some football-related injuries can make it difficult or painful to move an injured limb. Physical therapy can help increase mobility, reduce stiffness and speed your recovery. Your physical therapist will walk you through a range of gentle exercises designed to stretch and strengthen injured muscles, tendons and tissues. As your condition improves, your physical therapist may gradually increase the frequency and intensity of your exercise regimen until you are fully recovered.
Surgery
Severe football-related injuries like bone fractures and torn ligaments can require surgery. If you have a fracture, a surgeon may have to realign any bones that are out of place. Torn tissue, tendons or ligaments also are repaired surgically. Concussions are treated with rest, often with no set time for a player's return. Players sidelined with a concussion usually must pass a neurological exam before being cleared to play again.
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